20 Things You Should Know Before Selling Your House

        Selling a house is like a rollercoaster ride—thrilling, unpredictable, and not for the faint of heart. No wonder it's often ranked among life's most stressful experiences. Here's the good news: with a little preparation and the right knowledge, you can take the turbulence out of your home-selling adventure. This is your trusty guide to navigating the whole process with a bit more know-how and a lot less “What now?" moments.

1. Know Thy House

Before you list your house, become an expert on it. Know its quirks, charms, and yes, even its creaky floorboards. This isn't just about nostalgia; it’s practical. Buyers will ask about the age of the roof, the condition of the appliances, and when the HVAC system last saw a technician. Have answers ready that are more detailed than "Umm, let me check." 

2. Property Deeds

The deed to your property is essentially your home’s biography. Losing it is like forgetting your lines in a play. Before you list, make sure you know where your deed is or how to get a copy. Not sure where to start? If you live in the US, check out Deeds.com for the lowdown on property deeds, how to get copies, and why they matter more than that old baseball card collection in your attic.

3. Price It Right 

Pricing your home is a delicate art. Too high, and your home will sit on the market, aging like a fine wine but without the improved taste. Too low, and you might sell fast but feel the sting in your wallet. Aim for the "just right," using a comparative market analysis (CMA). This isn't a DIY moment—get a real estate pro to crunch those numbers.

4. Market Like Mad

High-quality photos, compelling listing descriptions, and savvy online marketing can make a huge difference. Definitely hire a professional photographer. Remember, you're not just selling a space; you're selling the dream of a lifestyle. Make it look irresistible. 

5. Prep Your Pad

Staging your home can be a game-changer. You want potential buyers to walk in and feel like they could immediately cosy up on the sofa for a Netflix binge session. Declutter, deep clean, and maybe splash on some neutral paint. As for your vintage taxidermy collection? It might be best to tuck that away…for the time being.

6. Disclosure 

Be honest about issues. Every house has them, whether it’s that funny smell in the basement or the fact that the dishwasher is on its last legs. Disclosing these things upfront can prevent a sale from falling apart during the inspection phase. 

7. Inspections Aren’t Just for the Curious 

And speaking of inspections, get one before you list. This can be your offensive play in negotiation. Knowing your home's flaws lets you fix them on your terms, or at least price accordingly. 

8. The Great Escape During Showings

During showings, vanish. Seriously. Buyers need to envision themselves in your space, not awkwardly tiptoe around you. Go to that class or workshop you always say you're going to go to but you never do, visit a friend, or take a long walk with the dog—who, by the way, should also disappear during showings.

9. Negotiate Like You’re in a Bazaar

When offers come in, it’s tempting to either jump at the first one or hold out for a mythical better one. Be smart. Negotiate. If you’re not in a rush, it’s okay to counteroffer. This is where a skilled real estate agent earns their keep. 

10. Legal Eagles Fly Together

Have a good real estate attorney in your corner, especially for reviewing contracts. They can spot pitfalls like a hawk and save you from legal headaches down the road.

11. Check Your Emotions at the Door

Selling your home can be emotionally taxing. It’s where memories were made, after all. But when it comes to business, treat it like a business. Stay objective, make informed decisions, and keep your eyes on the prize.

12. Closing Time: Not Just a 90s One-Hit Wonder

Closing is the grand finale, but it’s not over till it’s over. There can be last-minute muddles with financing, appraisals, and unforeseen hiccups. Stay in communication with your agent and be prepared for a little back-and-forth until all the signatures are dry. 

13. Capitalise on Curb Appeal

First impressions are critical. Don't let potential buyers drive by without a second glance. Invest in landscaping, clean the windows, repaint the front door, and ensure the walkway is inviting. A little effort on curb appeal can dramatically increase interest and potentially the selling price. It's like dressing up for a first date—you want to look your best.

14. Get the Timing Right 

Believe it or not, timing can significantly affect your home selling experience. Spring and summer are typically hot seasons for selling due to more favourable weather and families wanting to move before the new school year starts. However, understand your local market's dynamics; in some areas, winter might see less competition. 

15. Utilise Technology

In the digital age, virtual tours, drone photography, and interactive floor plans are more than just fancy tricks. They allow you to showcase your home to potential buyers in unique and engaging ways, broadening your reach far beyond local prospects. Moreover, consider using online platforms not just for listings, but for scheduling showings and gathering feedback. 

16. Understand Your Buyer

Tailor your home's presentation to attract the most likely buyers. If your neighborhood is popular with young families, highlight family-friendly aspects of your home like the quiet street, the garden, or proximity to good schools. If it's an area favoured by young professionals, emphasise the home office, low maintenance features, and the vibrant nightlife nearby.

17. Be Ready for Anything at Open Houses

An open house can sometimes feel like hosting a party where you don’t know any of the guests. Be prepared for anything—from nosy neighbors just there for the gossip, to serious buyers with their offers ready. Ensure you have a strategy to gather visitor information, provide detailed property info, and follow up after the visit.

18. Feedback is Your Friend

After showings, seek out feedback. What did buyers like and dislike? This feedback can be invaluable in adjusting your strategy, whether it means tweaking your asking price or making minor repairs that could make your house more appealing. Think of feedback like reviews on a new recipe—you need the critiques to perfect it.

19. Adjust As You Go

The market isn't static, and neither should your strategy be. If your home isn't selling as quickly as you hoped, reassess your price, marketing tactics, and even your home staging. Maybe it's time to swap out that funky wallpaper in the bathroom or adjust the price to align with the market. Flexibility can be the key to finding the right buyer.

20. Keep the Home In Show-Ready Condition

This might be tricky if you have kids and a bunch of pets running around, but if you can keep your home as clean and tidy as possible, with all the beds made and dishes done, it will make those impromptu showings much simpler and more likely to result in a sale.

    Selling a house is hardly a stroll in the park—unless your walk involves a mountain of paperwork, endless cleaning, and showing potential buyers around. But once you know the ropes, it becomes a lot more manageable—and now you’re well-equipped for the task.  Go n-éirí leat! (That's Irish for "good luck").